We mustache you a question...
...do you love learning as much as we do?!
Here's the latest from the third grade...
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Mathematics
Our
investigations into multiplication and division continue. We’ve been
working on fluency with multiplication facts 0-10 by learning specific
strategies for certain fact groups, visiting math work stations, and
real-world application through teaming up and solving multi-step story problems with multiplication and division. Students have been solving a
variety of problems with real-world situations such as a grocery store, game
shop, or pet shelter. This last week saw us learning about common
multiples and common factors.
In
addition to this, we’ve also been working with money, fractions, and addtion/subtraction
review during Number Corner and morning warm-ups.
Writing
If you visited our
Writer’s Workshop lately, you would find us:
• sharing our published “Expert
Articles” – expository pieces about topics we’re experts on: pet care, scone
recipes, how to make art, Tae Kwon Do, LaMarcus Aldridge, Pokémon, etc. These pieces turned out well; the
kids worked hard and really shined when it came to the big idea: using an
expository organizational structure that consists of an introduction, a body
and a conclusion - which is
notably different from the beginning, middle and end of a narrative
organizational structure.
• blogging on our
safe, secure student blogs at KidBlog
• corresponding
with our penpals over at Sunnyside Environmental School
Next up,
we will kick off our unit on poetry!
Towards the end of this new unit we will have a student Poetry Reading
here at SIA – Friday March 21st from 10:30-11:25am – save that date
so you can join us!
Reading
We finished the fantastic Oddfellow’s Orphanage, and have been
reading some shorter, picture-book read alouds related to geology (Everybody
Needs a Rock, A Rock is Lively, Magic Schoolbus to the Center of
the Earth), as well as some anti-bullying, character-education focused
stories (The Recess Queen, How to Be a Friend.)
We have been reading nonfiction magazines, books, and websites to dig into questions about rocks and minerals. As always, we
continue our daily core practices of sustained, silent independent reading
time, as well as practicing reading out loud in small guided groups to work on oral
fluency.
In preparation for the OAKS reading assessment this week, we also have
been getting some explicit instruction in multiple choice test-taking
strategies, and practice with reading tests like a “genre” – how to get in the
habit of careful re-reading and answering questions by finding
explicit evidence or making inferences from the text.
About OAKS testing: Third graders take the OAKS (Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) in both reading and math for the first time this year. I do not believe in "teaching to the test," but I do believe students benefit from learning how to prepare their mind, body and spirit for a test. "Spirit" in this context means how they feel about taking a test, as well as their mental preparedness (good night's sleep, good breakfast, being conscious of reading carefully, etc.) I never wish the students "good luck," because test taking is not about luck - it is about skill. I teach test-taking strategies as such. I do not make a big deal out of testing in front of the kids, but I do let them know that it is important to do their best, take their time, and use all tools provided. Please encourage and reinforce these ideas during any conversations you have at home. Kids perform better when they’re calm and relaxed. This being their first go-around, let’s all be mindful of not talking up the experience to seem “high-stakes" - it's not!
Science
We visited
the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro to view their exquisite and
electrifying collection of rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, meteorites, lapidary
arts, and more. It was a memorable trip for the kids – they were enthralled, asked good questions, and made strong connections to
their classroom learning. We left
with some neat specimens from their “rock pile” and gift shop - and even more
questions about the fascinating world of geology and mineralogy!
In the
classroom, we have learned how to perform and analyze geologist’s tests on
various physical properties of mineral samples. We explored several specimens
of “mystery” minerals while recording and analyze the results to
correctly identify them. After getting the hang of this working with a
partner, students then completed an independent assessment task where they were
given 3 unknown minerals, geologists “tools”, and some data recording
materials. Students were
tasked with: 1) articulating a verbal or written plan, 2) recording observations
and data, 3) comparing their data against a non-fiction resource, and 4)
stating their results. I was so
proud to see all 24 students have success with these important skills!
This last
Friday, we had educator and paleontologist Sheila Alfsen, (Vice-President of
the Geological Society of Oregon) come to talk with our class. It was a great visit – she shared a
variety of specimens and reviewed the rock cycle through storytelling, walked
us through plate tectonics and ice-age floods, and answered questions about her work
as a paleontologist and careers in geology. We hope to have her back again soon!
• Lunch
and Snack
• Warm
Jacket/Layers (it can be sunny one moment and windy and rainy the next!)
• Rain
Jacket
• Sturdy
Footwear, no sandals please
• Backpack
• Full
Water Bottle
• Book for
the drive
•
Sunscreen (optional)
• A
positive attitude and adventurous spirit!
I have 4
confirmed chaperones for this trip, but we will happily take more!! We’ll be traveling by school bus, and
packing a lunch as noted above.
Upcoming:
This Tuesday and Wednesday
mornings - OAKS
Reading Test: You can help your child do their best by making sure they
have the recommended full 10 hours of sleep for age 8 & 9, and a healthy,
protein-rich breakfast in the morning. Gently remind your child that they
have as much time as they want to read and answer questions, so slow and steady
is the best approach - it's not a race!
Friday
February 28 – Beacon Rock Field Trip
Friday
February 28 – Talent Show in the SIA Gym, 6pm
Thursday
March 6 – Monthly AM Field Study at Wapato: “Haiku Hike” for our Poetry Unit!
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